I was born on the stroke of twelve, between the 30th and 31st of July, 1751. To some I am the foremost keyboard player in Europe but to others, I am the overlooked sister of a genius. The matter is complicated. I write music for the bottom drawer while living in Salzburg with my dear Mama. Papa is in Rome with Wolfie to enshrine my brother's talents and in the year, 1770, I am destined for marriage, not a career. Maria Anna Walburga Ignatia Mozart - Nannerl for short.

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

According to Papa

This was the trick: Last December, Wolfie signed a contract in which he promised to marry his beloved Constanze within three years from that date or else pay her three hundred gulden a year. Soon after their agreement, the two lovebirds were hounded by the most malicious gossip.

Frau Weber complained to anyone who would listen that the scandal would compromise her daughter’s reputation. Papa is now convinced that Wolfie was pushed into marriage by her skulduggery.

Perhaps, dear brother, you were propelled, not pushed? I can see that it could be so, but I'm afraid Papa won't have it any other way. N.